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Briefly March 2 2012

Hetch Hetchy updateThe Yosemite Restoration Campaign (YRC), sponsored by Restore Hetch Hetchy (RHH), filed papers Wednesday with the San Francisco Department of Elections, beginning the process of qualifying an initiative for the November 2012 San Francisco ballot.

The initiative requires the city to develop a long-term plan for the improved use of local water supplies and the reduction of harm to Yosemite National Park, the Tuolumne River and the San Francisco Bay. The draft title of the initiative is “Water Sustainability and Environmental Restoration Planning Act of 2012.” The resulting plan would be placed before voters for approval in 2016.

Blake Jones Trout Derby set

The 45th annual Blake Jones Trout Derby is just around the corner—slated for Saturday, March 17, at Pleasant Valley Reservoir just north of Bishop.

Since the event lands on Saint Patrick’s Day this year, event organizers are sure that they’ll have good luck putting on the biggest and best derby yet.

The Bishop Area Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau hosts the Blake Jones Derby and they are hopeful that more locals will join in the fun this year.

“It really is a good old-fashioned fun day for families that love to fish, plus we give away some amazing prizes,” said Tawni Thomson of the Bishop Chamber.

Prior to the derby, Pleasant Valley Reservoir and the Lower Owens River are always well stocked with Alpers and DFG trout. The contest is a “blind bogey” competition, so everyone has equal chance to win.

Each registered participant may enter up to five fish and if any of the fish weights match the blind bogey weight, they’ll be entered into a raffle to win great prizes. There are categories for adults and kids and additional prizes are awarded for big fish, early bird entries and farthest travel to the derby.

Winners will take home more than $10,000 worth of fishing gear, float tubes, tackle, gift certificates and cash. Registration is $15 for adults and $7 for kids under 12.